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Flowering shrubs add bursts of color to a garden when they blossom in spring and summer. The problem with some of these bushes is that their blossoms fade fast. Trimming can sometimes prolong the blossoming period, because pruning often sparks new growth. Beyond that, choosing shrubs known for long-lasting flowers can keep your garden colorful for several weeks or months of the year.

Double Pink Althea

The double pink althea (Hibiscus syriacus "Pulcherimus") is a showy rose of Sharon shrub that grows 9 to 12 feet tall. Hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 8, it produces fluffy pink flowers that typically appear in June and last until the frost hits. To spark more flowering, you can lightly prune the shrub in early spring. Like other althea shrubs, the double pink althea is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates drought and anything from partial shade to full sun.

Cranesbill

Cranesbill (Geranium psilostemon) is a cozy shrub that doesn't exceed 4 feet in height or spread. Native to USDA zones 4 through 9, it produces red or magenta flowers with surprising black centers, first blossoming in April or May and flowering until as late as October. The shrub can grow in partial shade to full sun, and its foliage provides color in autumn.

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Bluebeard Shrub

As if its gray-green foliage wasn't enough to make this bush stand out, the bluebeard shrub (Caryopteris) also produces purple-blue flowers in late summer that stay open for several weeks. It's native to USDA zones 5 through 9, preferring dry soil and full sun. This makes it an easy plant to grow, no matter how green, or not, a thumb you have. It's also a smart choice for small gardens, because it grows just 4 feet tall.

Endless Summer Hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are known for their showy blooms that grow in pompom clusters. "Endless Summer" is a reblooming variety that produces new blossoms on fresh growths. Regular pruning sparks the new growths, prolonging the blooming period for several weeks or even months. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, it's a smart choice for climates with wet, moderate weather -- it prefers partial shade and lots of moisture.

Butterfly Bush

A lilac that blooms in summer, the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) grows in USDA zones 5 through 9. Well-drained soil and lots of sunshine keep these bushes healthy and flowering. In addition to their sweet fragrance, they brighten a garden with their colors, which may be anything from white to deep purple. Though they already have a longer blossoming season than most other lilacs, the butterfly bush blooming season can stretch longer if you pinch off flower clusters as they fade in late summer and autumn.